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House extends state of emergency to accept FEMA funds after 5.7 earthquake
Summary
The House passed HJR 3-02 to extend the state of emergency through May 18, allowing Utah to apply for FEMA disaster assistance after a 5.7 magnitude quake and continuing aftershocks that caused structural damage to older buildings.
The House approved House Joint Resolution 3-02 on April 16 to extend Utah's state of emergency related to a 5.7-magnitude earthquake so the state can pursue FEMA disaster assistance.
Representative Sue Duckworth, the sponsor, said the resolution would extend the state of emergency through May 18 and allow the state to accept FEMA funds for damage assessment and recovery. "To date, we've had over 1,200 aftershocks in the last month," Duckworth said, noting damage has been heaviest to older buildings and residences.
Members questioned the extent and timing of damage. Representative Malloy asked whether damage is widespread in Magna; Duckworth said much of the damage has been to older structures and the funds apply statewide. Representative Briscoe and others described constituents' reports that some 19th-century homes are unsafe to occupy pending repairs; Representative Wait described nearly 50 homes displaced from foundations in his area.
Representative Brady Brammer and others asked whether the state must remain under an active state of emergency to file for FEMA funds; Duckworth and staff said federal applications require the umbrella of an active emergency and that aftershocks and recent events will push the application past the current expiration.
Duckworth said the resolution is necessary to secure federal assistance for damaged homes, some of which provide low-income housing. The House adopted the resolution 71–3 and the measure will be transmitted to the Senate.
Ending: HJR 3-02 passed the House 71–3 to extend the state of emergency through May 18 so Utah can receive FEMA disaster assistance and continue damage assessments.
